Strenght Training or Weight Loss?!
Question: Ok, so right now I'm 6'1' and weigh about 250. Should I work on building strenght first, or just doing a ton of cardio and losing weight?
A couple years ago I strength trained regularly and am getting back into it. In fact in just 3 weeks back I'm almost lifting what I was before I stopped. The first time around I found it much easier to lose weight after lifting for such a long time. Also, I think I'm more motivated to lift now, and maybe I wouldn't do so well with really watching what I eat as well as doing cardio. Plus, my knees and ankles really feel it after going on my treadmill excessively. I can use an elliptical at the gym which is easier on my joints as well.
Since it's very hard to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time, where should I put my focus on? Thanks!
Answers: Ok, so right now I'm 6'1' and weigh about 250. Should I work on building strenght first, or just doing a ton of cardio and losing weight?
A couple years ago I strength trained regularly and am getting back into it. In fact in just 3 weeks back I'm almost lifting what I was before I stopped. The first time around I found it much easier to lose weight after lifting for such a long time. Also, I think I'm more motivated to lift now, and maybe I wouldn't do so well with really watching what I eat as well as doing cardio. Plus, my knees and ankles really feel it after going on my treadmill excessively. I can use an elliptical at the gym which is easier on my joints as well.
Since it's very hard to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time, where should I put my focus on? Thanks!
You should develop a cross-training program, where you're doing both cardio and weight-lifting. I've heard of people not wanting to lift weights as they're trying to lose weight. But what they don't know is lifting weights helps you lose weight. Sure, muscle weighs more than fat, but increasing muscle increases your metabolism. Which means you're going to be burning more calories throughout the day.
I'd say aim for at least 30 min. of cardio 5-6 times a week and do weight lifting 3 times a week (with a day rest in between). And drink lots of water and keep a healthy diet. Have a fun workout!
The more muscle you have, the more calories the muscles are able to burn simply by being there. It would make it easier to lose the weight if you were to first build up the muscles to burn it.
Congrats on great question. This is great puzzle to many. Unfortunately there are many who do not really want to hear the answer. Are you ? No seriously , I know you are ready , straight forward , experienced etc. but steel . You just need to reverse all you did in order to get to the state you are now. And NO it is not heavy nor difficult BUT yes do take ONE thing at the time but not separate them at all. No need....here is where you can get all you need and if you are serious I really know you will be OK in no time. http://www.advice-masters.com opt here use all freebies and check all around like videos and stuff.
Feel free to contact me if you have more question
Sasha James
fitness coach and gym owner
http://leanmuscle101.blogspot.com
I know exactly what you mean, iv been in advanced weight lifting all school year my this year (Senior year) and I worked on building muscle first.. because by building muscle first you loose much of the extra protein and burn calories